Ex-presidents' social guarantees may be limited in Latvia

Today, Latvian Saeima members approved amendments in the first reading which stipulate reducing the amount of social guarantees provided to former state presidents.

57 MPs voted for the amendments –
ruling coalition members, including ex-President Valdis Zatlers (Reform Party) as well as several Union of Greens
and Farmers members. No MPs voted against or abstained, however, most Harmony
Center MPs did not vote, writes LETA.

The bill, which was submitted by
President Andris Berzins, proposes
that ex-presidents be not provided with apartments maintained and paid for by
the state. Instead, ex-presidents' monthly pension will be increased from the
current 50% of president's monthly salary to 85%.

The bill also specifies the
procedure of buying or renting automobiles for ex-presidents.

The new provisions will not concern
the current ex-presidents, except if a new car is to be bought or rented for an
ex-president.

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